On October 21 from noon to 4pm, the newest farm in town will open to the public for its first annual Autumn Celebration.
The Autumn Celebration farm fundraiser will feature a concert by local, all-female bluegrass group The Little Noisemakers, wood-fired pizza by farm-to-table cart Boonedog Pizza and a live brewing demo by YNot Brewing. Classic harvest games and activities, such as bobbing for apples and cider pressing, will be available at this family-friendly event. A mini farmer’s market including Hope Spring Dairy, Fields Farm and Windflower Farm will be open for late season products. Attendees are encouraged to participate in a community art project to adorn the barn for years to come.
“We wanted to invite our community of local eaters to see our new place, tell us what they want, and to celebrate the season, the land and new opportunities,” says farmer Megan French.
The farm name will be released at the party, as well as plans for growing chemical-free, sustainable food. The first taste of food grown on the farm will available to the raffle winners; prizes include a pasture raised Thanksgiving turkey, two chickens and a basket of farm-grown and made ferments and canned goods.
“We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to steward the land in beautiful Central Oregon and look forward to providing our community with fresh healthy food,” says farmer David Kellner-Rode.
The family farm, located in Alfalfa (just 20 minutes east of Bend), will be grown on and tended by David Kellner-Rode and Megan French, with support by David’s parents, Abby and Andre. Kellner-Rode recently managed Fields Farm, ran a thirty-member CSA in McMinnville and co-owned a fermented foods business. French was assistant director at Central Oregon Locavore from 2015 to 2017, farmed at Fields Farm and currently sits on the boards of the Bend Farmers Market and Locavore. Abby Kellner-Rode also serves on the board of Locavore, as well as the Bend Food Project.
With years of experience in organic agriculture, sustainable environmental and farming practices, food sales, business management, online marketing, nonprofit work, wholesale and retail purchasing and event planning, Kellner-Rode and French believe that they can help drive a more sustainable food future in Central Oregon and increase access to healthy local food for the community.
Entry fee to the Autumn Celebration is $10 to $20 sliding scale for adults, free for children and includes participation in all events, music, as well as light refreshments. Participants are helping to raise money for greenhouses, fruit trees, and more sustainable agriculture in Central Oregon. For more information visit their Facebook event at www.facebook.com/events/146671739164964.
